Hoping he signs. If he doesn't, however, I think the only option is a rebuild. They still have a good team and players at other positions, but Gaudreau was the key driver of the entire offense. No disrespect to Lindholm and tkachuk, but gaudreau contributed on almost everything the top line generated.
He has been able to generate elite numbers for basically any linemates he's had (monahan, hudler, ferland). He's the most irreplaceable player on the team (a player that can generate offensive on his own). You can't replace that via trade or free agency.
As such, if he doesn't sign, flames really should be honest about the situation they are in and try to sell high on some big pieces that may not be in their prime by the time the team is contending.
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